![[Elementary School] Picture Books and Children’s Books to Read in February](https://media.ragnet.co.jp/img/1200__png__https://www.ragnet.co.jp/files/2024/02/f59056cc03dede2dff1e8d0fc57c5dc3.webp)
February: the season when we still tremble in the cold, with spring yet to come.
What kind of image do you have of February?
Setsubun and Valentine’s Day might be the first events that come to mind.
This time, I’m going to introduce picture books about February for elementary school children.
From nostalgic titles you may have read long ago to educational picture books with plenty of substance, I’ve selected a wide range.
They’re all works you’ll enjoy reading again and again!
Be sure to check them out to the end!
- Picture books perfect for spring that are recommended for elementary school children. Picture books that make them look forward to going to elementary school.
- [For Kids] January Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts: Learn About the New Year in a Fun Way
- [Handmade Picture Books] A curated selection of recommended ideas perfect for early childhood education
- Picture Books to Read in Winter: A Collection of Story Ideas That Resonate with Elementary School Children
- February trivia quizzes that elementary school kids will love. Get excited with fun facts about commemorative days.
- Perfect for the reading season of autumn! Recommended picture books that will captivate elementary school children
- [For Kids] Simple and Cute Origami Ideas to Enjoy in February
- Recommended in March! A collection of surprising, little-known trivia that elementary school students will want to share
- February trivia quiz: three-choice questions on seasonal fun facts like Setsubun and Valentine’s Day
- [For Kids] Let's All Take the Challenge! Valentine's Day Trivia Quiz & Fun Facts
- [For Kids] Easy Valentine’s Homemade Recipe Collection for Parents and Children
- [Quote of the Month: February] The theme is deep affection—words that pierce the heart and take your breath away.
- Recommended for elementary school kids! A collection of fun craft ideas for 2nd graders
[Elementary School] A roundup of picture books and children's books to read in February (1–10)
The Black Cat’s GuestText by Ruth Ainsworth / Illustrations by Fujie Yamauchi
The story of The Black Cat’s Guest begins when a poor old man living alone saves a skinny black cat—making it a must-read for cat lovers.
The depiction of the cat that wanders in during a cold winter is strikingly beautiful.
Since its first edition was published in 1999, the book has been beloved for many years.
If you want to convey the importance of kindness from elementary school age, please pick it up.
And be sure to pay attention to the ending, which centers on the theme of unconditional love!
Géralda and the OgreTomi Ungerer
Geralda and the Ogre might give you a bit of a start with its cover.
You can’t help but worry that someone might get eaten by the ogre.
But the real charm of Geralda and the Ogre lies in Geralda, who serves delicious dishes to the hungry ogre.
Children will learn from her attitude of treating everyone with kindness.
Be sure to pay attention to the many dishes that appear in the story, too.
What will the ogre do once his belly is full of Geralda’s cooking? This is a book that lets you enjoy a heart-pounding development!
The Bear Couple’s ValentineText by Eve Bunting / Illustrations by Jan Brett
Valentine for the Bear Couple, a heartwarming story about a pair of bears who wake up during hibernation to celebrate Valentine’s Day, is an absolute delight.
Despite being in the middle of hibernation, the way they give gifts to each other is sure to soothe your heart.
Come February, you’ll likely find yourself thinking of it and wanting to read it again and again.
Elementary school children, who are just beginning to make friends and build relationships, may even learn about caring for others through this book.
The illustrations mainly use warm colors, so even though it’s a winter tale, it conveys a cozy warmth.
southpawText by Judith Viorst / Illustrations by Koushiro Hata
Southpaw, a story about a boy and a girl who like each other but can’t be honest about it, is definitely a book I want elementary schoolers entering adolescence to read.
The stubborn back-and-forth between the boy and the girl comes across as charming.
Their conversations get a bit prickly, but the way they both care about each other leaves a lasting impression.
It’s a book that elementary schoolers will enjoy—and adults can relate to as well.
The pencil-drawn illustrations are adorable, too.
Please give this heartwarming story a read!
Fuji Mountain Song ReaderText: Machi Tawara / Illustrations: U.G. Sato
There may be many children who don’t easily show interest even when they hear tanka poems.
“Fujisan Utagoyomi” is a picture book that uses Mount Fuji to present tanka in the order of the seasons—spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Even tanka that may feel unfamiliar are presented in ways that engage both children and adults.
The Mount Fuji illustration on the cover is beautiful, isn’t it? You can also see many different depictions of Mount Fuji inside the book.
It may be an accessible volume for children to learn about Japan’s four seasons and literature.
Please consider using it as an introductory book for elementary school children who are just beginning to learn about Japanese culture!
Mr. Toto who swallowed a frogText: Hino Tosei / Illustrations: Saito Takao
In February, when Setsubun takes place, you might also enjoy “Toto-san Who Swallowed a Frog,” which feels just like a rakugo story.
The tale begins when Toto-san, stricken with a stomachache, swallows a frog.
He then eats a snake that swallows the frog, and goes on to eat various other creatures.
For elementary school children, it could be a good introduction to studying the food chain.
The final punchline will make you chuckle and brighten your mood.
Please give it a try!
The Nameless CatText: Fumiko Takeshita / Illustrations: Naoko Machida
“The Nameless Cat” is a story about a protagonist who envies the cats at the greengrocer’s and the café for having names, and sets out to find a name of their own.
If you love cats, this is a book you can enjoy at any age, not just in elementary school.
The illustrated cat may look a bit sad, but you’ll see a wide range of expressions, making it a delightful read.
What is it that the nameless cat truly wanted? It’s a heartwarming tale all the way to the end.
In honor of Cat Day, be sure to read this story, from children to adults!